Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Record number of converts in Sydney archdiocese (Catholic Weekly)

Mirroring trends in some areas of Europe and the United States, the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia, is preparing to welcome a record number of converts—nearly 460—into the Church at Easter.

“Your presence is a profound sign and a wonderful vitality of our local Church, and proof that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our city,” Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, said on February 22. “For the last six years in a row, year by year, more and more of you have been saying ‘accept’ at the Rite of Election here in Sydney.”

He added, “Newcomers to the Church know they not only have to learn the Christian faith, they must sometimes go against the grain. It’s costly, but its reward is eternal life.”

Cardinal Parolin pays tribute to slain Italian diplomat (Vatican News (Italian))

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, traveled to Limbiate, a town 370 miles from Rome, to mark the fifth anniversary of the slaying of Ambassador Luca Attanasio.

Speaking at the cemetery in Limbiate, Cardinal Parolin said on February 22 that the ambassador showed a “dedication capable of going beyond duty, challenging the limits of what was necessary.”

Attanasio was murdered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he had served as Italy’s ambassador since 2017.

Bishop Varden preaches to Pope, Curia on 'entering Lent,' 'Bernard the idealist' (CWN)

Bishop Erik Varden, OCSO, of Trondheim, Norway, is publishing his Lenten retreat conferences to the Pope and the Roman Curia:

Irish archbishop to lead 2 dioceses as consolidations continue (Vatican Press Office)

Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam, Ireland, as the new bishop of Killala, thus uniting the two dioceses in persona episcopi (in the person of the bishop). Following the 2024 retirement of Bishop John Fleming of Killala, Archbishop Duffy had served as the diocese’s apostolic administrator.

In February 2025, Pope Francis united two other Irish dioceses, Achonry and Elphin, in persona episcopi.

Council on AI Ethics Formed to Balance Innovation With Human Dignity

cna

Feb. 24 Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, Weekday

The readings and propers of the Mass shows the Church's constant effort to acquaint us with the teaching of her Founder, and to strengthen us to follow and live his teachings. Mere formalism and externalism are of no value in the religion of Christ. God demands of his people a worship in spirit and in truth, and a conversion which comes from the heart.

Church in Mexico: Pray for Peace As Cartel Reacts After Military Kills Its Leader

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How a New Wedding Platform Is Reimagining the Catholic Journey to the Altar

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‘Melania’ Offers Another Glimpse Into U.S. First Lady’s Catholic Side

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